What is the Los Angeles Film Festival? Nine days of cinematic bliss, running June 10 to 18. Film Independent is producing the event, now in its 21st year.

Where is it held? Regal Cinemas' L.A. Live downtown hosts the lion's share of screenings. Others are scattered across the city at venues such as LACMA and Union Station.

How do I get tickets? Passes ranging from $350 (general access to all regular screenings) to $2,500 (all access plus a number of perks) are available, as are individual tickets (lafilmfest.com/tickets). Those can cost as little as $13 for matinees and $15 for evening screenings, but galas (big movies, such as opening-night selection Dope) will set you back $25.

If I don't reserve a ticket online, can I show up anyway? Rush lines do exist and may be a viable option for those who like to inject uncertainty into their moviegoing schedule, but be warned: The early bird doesn't have to sit in the front row of a 1,000-seat theater.

What other wisdom might you bestow upon me? Unlike AFI Fest, LAFF doesn't focus on films that have already gained traction and acclaim at prior festivals. This year it has added two sections, Nightfall and Zeitgeist, which deal in genre and coming-of-age stories, respectively. The risk/reward ratio is unpredictable (in a good way) among the dozens of world premieres, and under-the-radar surprises abound. 

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